January 4th Update

Well, friends (and family), we feel like we are finally ready to "officially" begin the process to adopt two children into our family! And man are we excited!!
Our current plan is to adopt a boy and girl from Ethiopia!

We are still trying to decide on an agency and whether to do our home study first or join agency first, but have it narrowed down to 2. We'd love your prayers for us to have wisdom to make a good choice of agency, one that will make the whole adoption process an enjoyable & efficient experience!

We were able to talk with friends of ours from church tonight about their in-country experience in Ethiopia with their agency (one of the 2 we are considering). It was very helpful to get their thoughts and reflections while they are fresh on their minds. (They just brought their 2 beautiful children home a few weeks ago!) Not to mention, it was a JOY to watch our son, Jonah, make a new friend in their sweet little boy who is just a few months older!! They played together really well! I'm looking forward to many more play dates in our future. =)

We are also hoping to get together soon and chat with other friends of ours who are using the other agency we are considering to hear about their in-country experience. They went to Ethiopia to adopt their son around Christmas (what an AMAZING Christmas gift?!). So we would love to hear their honest opinions on their agency too.

I am going to call one of the agencies to ask some questions or set up a meeting tomorrow! Wish me luck.

In the meantime, we are REJOICING with so many of our friends over the former orphans that God has called into Godly, Christ-centered homes around us! They are no longer orphans, they are now cherished sons and daughters who will grow up hearing the gospel! Praise the Lord for his mercy & love!!